A weekend full of big moments

Marion County Special Olympians get plenty from state experience

5:16 AM,
Jul. 13, 2013

Marion County Special Olympics was represented by this group in the recent state Summer Games at The Ohio State University in Columbus. Shown here are, front row from left, Cara Allen, Nick Hale, Jennifer Harris, John Messenger and Alex Draper; and back row from left, Kody Clark, Mike Snyder, Tony Nicolosi, Autumn Hawkins, Joe Callahan, Gerry Miller, Chase Brooks, Asher Cornelius, and Joyce Allen. Not shown are Caitlin Pickett and Shelbie Zuspan.

Written by

Denny McPherson
The Marion Star

Marion County Special Olympics coach Andy Wheeler admitted local athletes gained more than place finishes during the recent state Special Olympics Summer Games at The Ohio State University in Columbus.

"The athletes gained a feeling of satisfaction and the opportunity to participate on a big stage in the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium," Wheeler said. "A lot of them also don't get to stay in a hotel with a pool or go out to dinner.

"A lot don't see the big stage, so obviously it's a special weekend for them." ...